Key takeaways

Naples, Italy, is known for its rich archaeological sites, including Pompeii, Herculaneum and a UNESCO-listed historic center.

The city is the birthplace of modern pizza and a hub for regional cuisine, wine and local food traditions.

Mount Vesuvius, still considered active, has shaped both the history and geography of the area.

Naples serves as a launch point for exploring southern Italy, with easy access to Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

Family-friendly excursions and immersive tours make it easy for travelers of all ages to connect with Naples' culture and history.

Understanding what Naples, Italy, is known for

There are cities that are old. There are some cities that are really old. And then there’s Naples. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, Naples stands atop centuries of history (and one extremely historic volcano), where Greek foundations, Roman streets and Baroque facades all shape the modern cityscape. But even with so much continuity, it’s not just the past that defines it. Naples is bold, bustling and extremely alive, where everyday moments take place alongside world-class cuisine and archaeological wonders.

But out of all that, what is Naples, Italy, known for? Well, in part, it’s known for proximity: many of its most iconic attractions are located just beyond the city center, easily reached on day trips or guided excursions. But its reach extends further still. From pizza to geology to ruins buried for centuries, Naples has helped shape how the world understands Italy.

Here, we walk you through some of the most important elements that have made Naples a globally recognized name, and one of the most popular Princess® cruise ports in the Mediterranean.

1. Being the birthplace of pizza

If there’s one essential culinary gift Naples has shared with the world, it’s pizza. And sure,  flatbreads may have existed for millennia, but it was in Naples that pizza took its modern form: dough cooked quickly in wood-fired ovens, topped with tomato, mozzarella and a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Endlessly customizable and entirely deserving of being almost every kid’s favorite food, pizza may just be the most important culinary advancement of the past few centuries. And you get to see where it all began.

Experience Naples’ world-famous culinary legacy

The Princess excursion “Naples Eating Italy Foodie Walking Tour” hands you a fork and invites you to dig deep into this tradition. Guests explore one of the city’s most flavorful neighborhoods, visiting iconic eateries and sampling everything from espresso to street snacks to (you guessed it) pizza. Along the way, there’s time to appreciate historic architecture and learn how food reflects culture. What food is Naples, Italy, known for? That’s something you’ll have to answer for yourself… preferably while dabbing at the corners of your mouth with a fabric napkin.

Close up of a classic Neapolitan pizza with melted mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil on a wooden peel in front of a blazing brick oven.
Savor authentic Neapolitan pizza fresh from the oven.

2. Pompeii and its remarkable preservation

Archeological ruins are undeniably interesting, but it can be difficult to connect bits of broken stone and pottery to the reality of what life was like back then. Pompeii is something more: a single, significant moment in history, sealed in volcanic ash. Pompeii was buried in AD 79 by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. And although historical records from that era described the event, the city wasn’t actually rediscovered until nearly 1,700 years later. What sets it apart is how much remains: streets, courtyards, mosaics, temples and even frescoes, all preserved in astonishing detail. Visiting Pompeii offers an unfiltered look at daily Roman life — markets, villas, bakeries and bathhouses, all frozen at the moment the city was consumed.

Walk through an ancient Roman city frozen in time

The “Pompeii” excursion gives guests a guided look at this UNESCO-listed site. Tour highlights include the city forum, private homes and a glimpse into ancient infrastructure like aqueducts and amphitheaters. It’s one of the most direct and immersive ways to understand what Naples, Italy, is known for: a city with one foot in the present and the other in the past.

Cobblestone street lined with stone ruins in Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius visible under a cloudy sky.
Step back in time along the ancient streets of Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius rising in the distance.

Start your Naples adventure

View Cruises

3. Herculaneum’s exceptionally preserved ruins

Often overshadowed by Pompeii, the city of Herculaneum offers an equally compelling (and in some ways more intimate) look at Roman life. Buried by the same eruption that destroyed Pompeii, Herculaneum benefitted from a different preservation environment. Wooden beams, furniture and even food remnants were carbonized and sealed beneath 50 – 60 feet of volcanic material. The result is a site that is remarkably detailed, with multi-story villas, painted walls and intact infrastructure still visible for visitors to experience.

Explore this smaller but more detailed Roman settlement

Book a spot on the “Herculaneum” tour to visit this lesser-known site, guided by experts who highlight unique frescoes, mosaics and artifacts that would have been unlikely to survive in any other circumstances. Fewer crowds mean more space to explore and more time to ask questions. If Pompeii tells a grand story, Herculaneum tells a personal one — and you get to be a part of it.

Elevated view of ancient stone buildings and courtyards in Herculaneum with colorful houses and blue sea in the background.
View the remarkably preserved ruins of Herculaneum.

4. Mount Vesuvius and its geological impact

The titan that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum hasn’t gone anywhere. Towering above the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius is still crowding the sky like some kind of vengeful god. This living volcano (considered ‘active,’ though it is currently in a long-duration rest period and very unlikely to erupt any time soon) is central to the region's story. The mountain shaped and reshaped the local topography, affected settlement patterns and remains a focal point of study for geologists, historians and travelers alike. And don’t let its violent past frighten you; its slopes also offer unforgettable views, both of the landscape it once altered and the vibrant city it now overlooks.

Visit one of the world’s most famous volcanoes

The Princess excursion Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii Adventure brings this geological force into full view. After hiking along a gravel trail to the summit, guests can peer into the crater and may even spot faint plumes of steam escaping from its fissures. Combined with a stop in Pompeii, the experience offers both panoramic views and powerful context.

Aerial view of Mount Vesuvius with its large crater and winding trail leading up the volcanic slopes overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Stand in awe of Mount Vesuvius towering over Naples.

5. Its UNESCO-listed historic center

If it’s not already obvious, it’s worth saying: Naples is all about history. The city’s historic center is among the largest in Europe and has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its continuity of culture and architecture. Here, ancient Greek roads cross Roman layouts, medieval churches rise beside Renaissance palaces and the modern city buzzes all around. It’s a neighborhood of contrasts and surprises, where every block seems to reveal a different layer of time.

Walk through one of Europe’s oldest urban cores

For a relaxed but revealing overview of this district, the Princess excursion Easy Naples is a must-experience (especially for those who prefer to minimize walking). Guests enjoy a guided driving tour past heritage landmarks, sweeping coastal views and lively piazzas. There’s also time to stop for refreshments — and a photo op from Posillipo Hill, overlooking the entire Gulf of Naples.

Stone lion statues in the foreground of Piazza del Plebiscito with the domed Basilica of San Francesco di Paola illuminated by warm evening light.
Admire the grandeur of Piazza del Plebiscito with its iconic lion statues in Naples.

6. A vibrant and expressive local culture

In Naples, everything feels turned up a notch. The hand gestures are bigger, the coffee is stronger and conversations come with plenty of volume and laughter. The local dialect has its own rhythm, and music — whether played by street performers or drifting from open windows — always seems close by. It’s a place where everyday life plays out on the streets and in the alleyways, in parks and markets and around shared meals that stretch long into the afternoon.

Experience Naples’ distinctive traditions and personality

On the excursion “Memories of Naples: Borbonic Tunnels & Pompeii With Pizza Lunch,” you get a wide-angle look at that character, with a walking tour that weaves through historic plazas, hidden tunnels and coastal viewpoints. The day ends with something essential: Neapolitan pizza, straight from the source.

Narrow Naples alley lined with colorful apartment buildings and balconies with clothes hanging on lines overhead.
Soak in the everyday rhythm of Naples.

7. Its role as a gateway to southern Italy

Naples is one of the major jumping-off points for exploring the Campania region. From the port or city center, it’s a short ride to cliffside villages like Positano, lemon groves in Sorrento or island escapes like Capri and Ischia. Ferries, trains and guided excursions all radiate out from the city, making it one of the most convenient bases for regional travel in southern Italy.

Access the Amalfi Coast and surrounding regions

The “Ultimate Bay of Naples: Pompeii, Positano & Amalfi Coast” excursion is a great way to fit multiple destinations into a single day. Guests get the chance to walk through Pompeii’s ruins, enjoy lunch with views in Sorrento and explore pastel-colored Positano perched above the sea. For those short on time, this tour makes the most of every minute of every stop.

Colorful buildings stacked along steep cliffs in Positano overlooking bright blue sea with boats and a tiled church dome in the foreground.
Fall for Positano’s cliffside beauty as pastel homes cascade toward the sparkling Amalfi Coast.

8. Sorrento and the Bay of Naples

Looking for a slower pace? Sorrento delivers. Set high above the water, it’s known for cliffside views, old churches and a laid-back feel that contrasts nicely with Naples’ urban energy. It’s one of several coastal towns that hug the Bay of Naples, each adding a different facet to the region’s appeal. 

Discover coastal towns shaped by trade and tourism

“Pompeii & Time On Your Own In Sorrento” gives you the freedom to see both sides. After a guided walk through Pompeii’s ruins, guests head to Sorrento, where they can shop, stroll or simply find a café and let the moment stretch out. It's a reminder that some of Naples' most famous associations — volcanic history, sun-drenched villages and seafront meals — come together best by the bay.

Bright yellow lemons on a tree overlooking colorful cliffside buildings and turquoise sea along the Sorrento coastline.
Taste the sunshine of Sorrento where lemon trees frame dazzling Amalfi Coast views.

9. Regional food (beyond pizza)

Naples may be famous for its pizza, but that’s just the start of the story. The broader Campania region delivers a full expression of southern Italian cuisine: wines grown in fertile volcanic soil, seafood pulled straight from the Tyrrhenian Sea and produce so flavorful it seems almost decadent. This is despite the fact that meals here are rooted in tradition and often prepared in very simple ways… all the better to let the ingredients speak for themselves.

Taste local wines and traditional flavors

Hungry? “Local Connections: Sorrento & Local Wine Tasting” takes you from coast to vineyard. Guests visit a winery on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to sample varietals like Lacryma Christi, made from grapes grown in mineral-rich earth. Paired with rustic snacks (like olive oil-drizzled bruschetta, aged cheeses and savory salami) it’s a full-bodied look at Campania’s culinary depth.

Plate of spaghetti alle vongole with open clams in shells garnished with chopped parsley on a white dish.
Twirl into Naples flavor with classic spaghetti alle vongole topped with fresh clams and parsley.

10. Family-friendly archaeological experiences

At first glance, ancient ruins might seem like a grown-up interest. But Naples’ archaeological sites have plenty to offer younger travelers too. Whether it’s walking in the footsteps of gladiators, imagining life in a Roman villa or simply watching a region-defining volcano from the safety of a motorcoach, Campania makes history tactile enough for young hands and minds to latch onto.

Explore history through engaging, accessible tours

“Pompeii for Families” is designed to make ancient ruins feel like an adventure. The tour focuses on hands-on details — from Roman snack counters to colorful murals — while guides keep stories kid-friendly and engaging. Younger guests receive a souvenir coloring book to continue the fun later, plus a well-timed ice cream break that makes history just a little sweeter (and days in the sun a lot more pleasant). It’s a great way to explore one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites without losing your youngest travelers to boredom.

Cobblestone path leading through a stone archway in Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
Walk beneath ancient stone arches in Pompeii with family.

Planning a visit to Naples on a cruise

Naples is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean. There’s a reason for that: It combines archaeology with coastal access, cuisine with culture, and sits within easy reach of many of southern Italy’s most iconic destinations. Whether cruising from Naples at the start of your voyage or stopping by as a port of call, there’s plenty to see, do, explore, learn and enjoy.

Experience Naples with Princess

So, what is Naples, Italy, known for? Start with Roman ruins and pizza ovens. Add in expressive street culture, scenic day trips and a volcano that rewrote history. Then step back and see the whole picture: a city that lives with one foot in the past, one in the present and a generous table in between.

Princess® Cruises offers excursions that reflect the best this ancient city has to offer, with curated experiences that are designed to give you everything you came to see without the hassle or logistics of planning it yourself. After all, Naples may be old, but the adventures that await are vibrant, new and ready to carry your imagination long after you’ve left the port behind.

What is Naples, Italy, Known For FAQs